
We’ve all said things we didn’t mean or used filler phrases to soften a point. But some expressions do more harm than good, especially when they subtly chip away at how others perceive your intelligence. Whether you’re in a job interview, a heated debate, or just chatting with friends, the words you choose matter. Certain phrases can make you sound unsure, uninformed, or even dismissive without you realizing it. Here are six common phrases that quietly sabotage your credibility (and what you can say that will boost your image).